According to People, Dunham first shared the story of her experience with sexual assault in her book Not That Kind Of Girl. "As a feminist and as a sexual assault survivor," she told attendees at the Variety event, my ultimate goal is to use my experience, my platform, and yes, my privilege, to reverse stigma and give voice to other survivors." Dunham also addressed critics' suggestions that her largely autobiographical work makes her seem self-centered, and explained her decision to partner with GEMS. "Trauma can make us narcissistic and myopic, turning us inward as we struggle with what we have seen, felt, and repressed," she said. "But connecting with other survivors reopens our world. Instead of scrambling for power by silencing other women, we're able to mutually strengthen each other through collaboration and support."